BenQ has placed an order for a CATS B600 BDR Pro analyzer for the R/RE formats. BenQ plans to release a BD-drive for PC within this year. BenQ is a market leading drive-manufacturer, whose writers are considered to be the reference by +R/RW media manufacturers. They are expected to lead the market also for the new format. According to AudioDev, delivery of the CATS B600 BDR Pro is planned for fall 2005.

AudioDev's objective is to launch a family of reference class analyzers for the blue laser formats. The CATS family currently consists of two analyzers; CATS B100 BD Pro for ROM and CATS B600 BDR Pro for R/RE. The Blu-ray Disc analyzers will be followed by a HD-DVD analyzer by the end of this year.



CATS BD analyzers are based on a reference drive, developed in a joint venture with Toptica Photonics AG. The analyzers are designed to ensure optimum measurement precision. A fully digital environment allows implementation of new parameters and measurements as the Blu-ray Disc format evolves. The exterior design is compact and allows stacking several units to maintain a minimum footprint. The analyzer features a five-way navigation key and display for easy operation.

AudioDev launched its CATS analyzers for Blu-ray Disc at the recent Media-Tech Expo in Las Vegas. "Our CATS BD analyzers for R/RE and ROM received unbelievable attention", says Marianne Sernevi, Director, International Marketing and Product Management, "By having our CATS reference class analyzers for 3rd generation optical media fully operational on the show floor, we proved to the industry that we are taking the lead in signal testing of the blue laser formats", she continues.